BMOL30020 Molecular basis of disease

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module will address key biochemical systems and processes within the body associated with disease development and treatment. Amongst the topics to be discussed will be gastrointestinal disorders, the microbiome and bacterial-mediated diseases (e.g TB, MRSA), neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The goal is to demonstrate the importance of a holistic approach to understanding human biochemistry and demonstrate the central role played by basic biochemistry in disease pathogenesis.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
• Explain the main biochemical causes of disease.
• Through specific examples, explain the molecular basis of bacterial- and viral-mediated disease.
• Describe our current knowledge of various gastrointestinal and neurodegenerative diseases and of the more prevalent diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
• Having completed the course, the student should be able to explain the approaches that can be exploited for the treatment of that disease.

Indicative Module Content:

The main modes of indicative learning on this module will be:
Lectures

A laboratory component involving 4 lab practicals and submission of written reports;
Reflective Learning;
Practical Problem Solving;

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Laboratories

15

Specified Learning Activities

8

Autonomous Student Learning

66

Total

113

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The main learning approaches on this module will be:

Lectures;
A laboratory component involving 4 lab practicals and submission of written reports;
Reflective Learning;
Practical Problem Solving;
Suggested Reading. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students taking this module will have successfully completed either BMOL20090, BMOL20110 and BIOC20060 or other modules with equivalent learning outcomes.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Written exam, duration 2 hr 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

70

Continuous Assessment: Practical write-ups/reports/MCQ Varies over the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

30


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual student feedback from initial lab reports will be delivered prior to submission of subsequent lab reports to help students achieve the intended learning outcomes. In addition, where common issues or mistakes arise, these will be shared anonymously with the group to promote group learning.

Name Role
Dr Jennifer Mitchell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Seema Nathwani Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Mary O'Brien Tutor
Dr Joan Simon Tutor
Dr Heather Wood Tutor